Abstract
We investigated the contribution of temperament and external environment to the severity
of children who stutter. Sixty-nine children who stutter, ages 2;4 to 5;9 (years;
months), with a mean age of 3;7, were assessed for temperament, home environment,
and significant life events. Temperament was assessed using the Children's Behavior
Questionnaire. Home environment and life events were assessed using the Confusion,
Hubbub and Order Scale (CHAOS) scale and the Life Events Checklist. Results indicated
mother (parent)-reported stuttering severity and clinician-reported stuttering severity
to be correlated with child temperament scores in the domain of Effortful Control.
When temperament, home environment, and life events were combined, no statistically
predictive outcomes were evident in corresponding severity ratings. The current study
suggests the temperament domain of Effortful Control in children who stutter is a
significant underlying mechanism influencing stuttering severity. Clinical implications
are discussed.
Keywords
Stuttering - severity - temperament - environment - reactivity - effortful control
